Decorative sock stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A foot apparel item, for wearing in cooperation with a heel support extending from a rearward end of a shoe worn by the wearer, includes: a sock portion having a heel receiving end and a toe receiving end, the sock portion configured for receiving a wearer&#39;s foot and being positioned within the shoe when the wearer is wearing the shoe; and a stabilizer extending from the heel receiving end of the sock portion, the stabilizer defining at least one heel support engagement element. The sock portion is positioned within the shoe, the heel support engagement element is configured to loop at least partially around the heel support to stabilize the sock portion relative to the heel support and prevent migration of the heel receiving end of the sock portion towards a forward end of the shoe when the wearer is wearing the sock portion and shoe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/004,638, titled “DECORATIVE SOCK STABILIZER,” filed on May 29, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods of stabilizing a sock when worn with a shoe. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to decorative devices and methods for preventing downward migration of a sock when worn and visually accenting the exterior of a shoe.

BACKGROUND

Socks sometimes migrate downward from the ankle and heel area of the human foot, when worn in a shoe, and from the heel toward the toe area. Such migration can result in gathering of the material of the sock and associated discomfort by the wearer. This problem can particularly arise when thin and sheer materials are used in sock construction, such as in foot stockings worn in high-heel shoes. Such socks are made with a low-profile to escape notice in a shoe, which visual benefit actually makes difficult adjusting or correcting by hand a migrating sock. Even if the sock can be reached, the typical wearer of a high heel shoe particularly prefers elegance and style without tugging at clothing items, particularly socks. Indeed, the attractive and graceful wearing of a high-heel shoe is a challenge enough, without a migrating foot stocking within the shoe.

Decorative socks are available in many colors and styles for use in accessorizing a wardrobe, for example to match or accent the fashion of other clothing items and accessories such as purses and hats. Typical decorative socks however do not integrate into the appearance of shoes in any way that helps a shoe coordinate with outfits. In order to coordinate footwear with many colors and styles of other clothing, using available foot accessories one would likely need to buy many pairs of shoes. Such an option requires considerable expense upon purchase and can be challenging to manage in typical residential closets, where space is typically limited. In some cases, someone has one or more shoes that happen to fit upon their feet with particular comfort better than others, but using those shoes exclusively or often means limiting the range of appearance and fashion the user can enjoy and present in public.

Accessories and methods are needed to prevent migration of socks within shoes, and to permit one to decorate a shoe or coordinate a shoe with other personal items.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In at least one embodiment, a foot apparel item is provided for wearing on the foot of a wearer in cooperation with a heel support extending from a rearward end of a shoe worn by the wearer. The foot apparel item includes: a sock portion having a heel receiving end and a toe receiving end, the sock portion configured for receiving a wearer's foot and being positioned within the shoe when the wearer is wearing the shoe; and a stabilizer extending from the heel receiving end of the sock portion, the stabilizer defining at least one heel support engagement element. The sock portion is positioned within the shoe, the heel support engagement element is configured to loop at least partially around the heel support to stabilize the sock portion relative to the heel support and prevent migration of the heel receiving end of the sock portion towards a forward end of the shoe when the wearer is wearing the sock portion and shoe.

In at least one example, the stabilizer has a figure-8 configuration.

In at least one example, the stabilizer has a first band portion connected to a left side of the sock portion, and a second band portion connected to a right side of the sock portion.

In at least one example, the stabilizer includes a strap that ends in at least one of a ring, hook, or tab.

In at least one example, the stabilizer includes a broad heel band for coving left and right rearward portions of the shoe.

In at least one example, the broad heel band narrows from the sock portion toward the at least one heel support engagement element.

In at least one example, the broad heel band terminates at the least one heel support engagement element.

In at least one example, the stabilizer includes a strap connecting the broad heel band to the at least one heel support engagement element.

In at least one example, the stabilizer is removably attached to the sock portion and permits replacement of the stabilizer by a user.

In at least one example, the stabilizer includes: a first strap having a first connector, a second strap having a second connector configured to releasably engage the first connector; and a third strap having a first end connected to the first strap and second strap, and a second end connected to the sock portion.

In at least one example, the first connector and second connector are configured to be hidden when engaged such that the first strap and second strap form a loop around the heel support.

In at least one example, the first connector includes a hook and the second connector comprises a loop.

In at least one example, the sock portion is dimensioned as a low-profile foot sock.

In at least one example, the first strap, second strap and third strap are connected together at a Y-junction, and each has a free end opposite the Y-junction.

In at least one example: the first connector is mounted along the first strap between the Y-junction and an opposite free end of the first strap; and the second connector is mounted along the second strap between the Y-junction and an opposite free end of the second strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and a stabilizer according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item of FIG. 1 placed in decorative arrangement with a shoe.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the foot apparel item and shoe of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and stabilizer according to at least one other embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and stabilizer according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item of FIG. 4 placed in decorative arrangement with a shoe.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the foot apparel item and shoe of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and stabilizer according to at least yet another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item of FIG. 8 placed in decorative arrangement with a shoe.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the foot apparel item and shoe of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and stabilizer according to at least yet another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item of FIG. 11 placed in decorative arrangement with a shoe.

FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the foot apparel item and shoe of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and stabilizer according to at least yet another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item of FIG. 14 placed in decorative arrangement with a shoe.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and detachable stabilizer according to at least yet another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a first side of a stabilizer that can be releasably engaged according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the second side of the stabilizer of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item having a sock portion and the stabilizer of FIGS. 17 and 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term “step” may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item 100 for wearing on the foot of a wearer according to at least one embodiment. The foot apparel item 100 includes a sock portion 102 having a heel receiving end 104 and a toe receiving end 106. The foot apparel item 100 further includes a stabilizer 110 extending from the heel receiving end 104 of the sock portion 102. The sock portion 102 in the illustrated embodiment is dimensioned as a low-profile foot sock for use between the foot and a shoe interior.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item 100 placed with the sock portion 102 within an exemplary shoe 200 and the stabilizer 110 placed in decorative arrangement with the shoe 200. Within the shoe, the sock portion 102 is generally unseen in FIG. 2. The shoe 200 is illustrated as a high-heeled shoe having a heel support 202 extending downward from the rearward end 204 of the shoe opposite the forward end 206 of the shoe. The heel support 202 has an upper end 210 attached to the bottom of the shoe at the rearward end and a lower end 212 that generally contacts any ground surface floor when the shoe is worn.

The stabilizer 110 includes a heel support engagement element 112 that loops at least partially around the heel support 202. When the sock portion 102 is positioned within the shoe 200, the heel support engagement element 112 is configured to loop at least partially around the heel support 202 to stabilize the sock portion 102 relative to the heel support 202 and prevent migration of the heel receiving end 104 of the sock portion towards the forward end 206 of the shoe when the wearer is wearing the sock portion and shoe. The stabilizer 110 maintains the sock portion 102 in a comfortable position at the heel of the wearer, preventing migration toward the wearer's toes during use. Several embodiments of foot apparel items are described in the following. Each has a stabilizer and heel support engagement element within the scope of the above descriptions.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the stabilizer has a figure-8 loop configuration in which two sides cross as shown in FIG. 3. The stabilizer 110 is configured for wrapping around a back side of the shoe 200 and around the heel support 202. FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the rearward end 204 of the shoe 200 and foot apparel item 100 with the stabilizer 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the sock stabilizer 110 has two upper bands 114 corresponding to left and right sides of the sock portion 102 and shoe 200. When the foot apparel item 100 is engaged with a shoe 200 as shown and worn, each band 114 extends from a respective side (left or right) from below the ankle of the wearer downward toward the heel support 202 of the shoe. In the illustrated figure-8 loop configuration, each band narrows toward the end of the loop, where a decorative twist defines a small terminal loop that defines the heel support engagement element 112 in this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item 400 according to at least one other embodiment. The foot apparel item 400 includes a stabilizer 410 extending from the heel receiving end 104 of the sock portion 102. The stabilizer 410 includes a broad heel band 412 that narrows to a loop 414, in which the heel support 202 can be retained as shown in FIGS. 6-7. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a foot apparel item 500 according to yet another embodiment. The foot apparel item 500 includes a stabilizer 510 extending from the heel receiving end 104 of the sock portion 102. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, each sock stabilizer has a broad heel band that partially covers a rear portion of a shoe when in use.

The broad heel band 512 in FIG. 5 narrows to a slender strap 514 that ends in a terminal ring 516 for passing around the heel support of a shoe. When so engaged, the broad heel band 512 will cover left and right rear portions of the shoe, from below the ankle of the wearer, and narrow downward toward the heel of the shoe to the ring strap 514.

The broad heel band 412 in FIG. 4 narrows to a loop 414, in which the heel support 202 is retained in FIGS. 6 and 7. The loop 414 may be twisted or untwisted at the preference of the wearer. When engaged, the broad heel band 412 covers left and right rear portions of the shoe, from below the ankle of the wearer, and narrows downward toward the heel support of the shoe to the loop 414. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the foot apparel item 400 of FIG. 4 placed in decorative arrangement with the shoe 200. Within the shoe, the sock portion 402 is generally unseen when worn so as not to alter the decorative appearance of the shoe. FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the heel portion of the shoe 200 showing the broad heel band 412 covering left and right rear portions of the shoe.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another foot apparel item 600 having the sock portion 102 with a stabilizer 610 according to yet another embodiment. In FIG. 8, the stabilizer 610 takes the form of a slender strap 614 that ends in a terminal attachment 616, such as a ring for passing around the heel support 202 of the shoe 200, or a tab that adheres to or otherwise attaches temporarily to the heel support. The attached end 612 of the strap 614 is attached directly to the sock portion 102 without an intermediate wider shoe covering, such as broad heel band 412 (FIG. 4), and thus covers less of the rear portion 204 of the shoe 200 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 11 illustrates another foot apparel item 700 having the sock portion 102 with a stabilizer 710 according to yet another embodiment. In FIG. 11, the stabilizer 710 takes the form of a strap 714 that ends in a terminal hook 716 for passing at least partially around the heel support 202 of a shoe. The attached end 712 of the strap 714 is attached directly to the sock portion 102 without an intermediate wider shoe covering. The terminal hook 716 tapers to a sharp end and takes a decorative serpentine appearance in wrapping at least partially around the heel support 202 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Any number of turns of the hook 716 and strap 714 around the heel support 202 are within the scope of these descriptions.

FIG. 14 illustrates a foot apparel item 800 having a sock portion 102 with a stabilizer 810 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the sock stabilizer 810 takes the form of a band having two opposing terminal ends that are each connected to the sock portion. FIG. 15 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 14 engaged with a low or flat-heeled shoe, sometimes called a flat. As shown, the band forms a loop that passes under the sole of the shoe, forward of the heel support when worn.

FIG. 16 illustrates a foot apparel 830 item having a sock portion 832 and a removable or interchangeable stabilizer 840 according to yet another embodiment. This stabilizer 840 example has a slender band 842 that ends at a terminal ring 844 for engaging the heel support of a shoe. The stabilizer 840 is removable from the sock portion 832 so as to be interchangeable, for example for selecting various colors.

FIG. 17 illustrates a first facing side of a stabilizer 950, according to yet another embodiment, for attachment to a sock portion 958 as shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 18 illustrates a second facing side of the stabilizer 950 of FIG. 17, with the stabilizer facing the opposite direction as that of FIG. 17. The stabilizer 950 is constructed with a Y-configuration having a first strap 952, a second strap 954, and third strap 956. A first connector 962 is mounted along the first facing side (FIG. 17) of the first strap 952. A second connector 964 is mounted along the second facing side (FIG. 18) of the second strap 954. The first connector 962 and the second connector 964 are configured to releasably mutually engage each other. In the illustrated embodiments, the first connector 962 is illustrated as a hook, and the second connector 964 is illustrated as a loop. Other mutually engaging connectors are within the scope of these descriptions, including for example, without imposing limitations, buttons, snaps and other releasable engagement members.

The first strap 952, second strap 954 and third strap 956 are all connected together at a Y-junction, and each has a free end opposite the Y-junction. The first connector 962 is mounted along the first strap 952 between the Y-junction and its opposite free end. The second connector 964 is mounted along the second strap 954 between the Y-junction and its opposite free end. As such, the first connector 962 and second connector 964 are configured to be hidden when engaged such that the first strap and second strap form a loop around the heel support. Thus the stabilizer 950 can have an elegant outer appearance without an easily visible connector.

The third strap 956 is shown connected to a sock portion 958 in FIG. 19, representing that the stabilizer 950 can be permanently attached to a sock portion, or can be removably attached for interchanging the stabilizer as described above with reference to FIG. 16.

In use of any of the above described embodiments and variations thereof, the stabilizer maintains the heel receiving end of the sock portion at the heel of the wearer and prevents downward migration of the sock portion from the heel and toward the toe.

In use, a method of preventing migration of a sock within a shoe is provided. The method includes providing the one or more accessory disclosed herein that include the sock portion and the stabilizer. The wearer then may put on the sock portion, slip their foot into a shoe, and then extend the stabilizer band around the heel support of the shoe, thus maintaining the sock portion in a taut disposition.

The above-described sock portions can be constructed from textiles and fabrics, for example nylon and spandex clothing materials. The above-described stabilizers can be constructed from the same or different materials, for example sewn or otherwise attached to the sock portions. In one or more embodiments, the stabilizers include hooks or other materials for engaging sock portions, while in one or more additional embodiments, the stabilizers and sock portions are integrally formed as one unit. In some embodiments the stabilizers are constructed of flexible, stretchable and resilient materials. For example, rubber, plastics and polymers may be used. The stabilizers may be constructed of leather or simulated leather so as to simulate and/or accentuate the outer texture and appearance of the shoes. A stabilizer may also be constructed of or may include metal for strength and/or appearance effect. Any preferred colors and sizes can be used, and may be chosen to match the color of a shoe so as to avoid notice, or to accentuate or contrast from the color of a shoe for decorative purposes. By use of foot accessories within the scope of these descriptions, one pair of shoes can be decorated in various ways and with various colored accessories. The sock portion may be manufactured all in one piece of the same material. In other examples they are first separately made and then connected together permanently or releasably.

The above-described sock portions and stabilizers can appear in any color, combination of colors or any pattern desired. Sport teams logos and names and other themed graphics and texts as preferred and enjoyed by a wearer may appear or be applied.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foot apparel item for wearing on the foot of a wearer in cooperation with a heel support extending from a rearward end of a shoe worn by the wearer, the foot apparel item comprising: a sock portion having a heel receiving end and a toe receiving end, the sock portion configured for receiving a wearer's foot and being positioned within the shoe when the wearer is wearing the shoe; and a stabilizer extending from the heel receiving end of the sock portion, the stabilizer defining at least one heel support engagement element; wherein, when the sock portion is positioned within the shoe, the heel support engagement element is configured to loop at least partially around the heel support to stabilize the sock portion relative to the heel support and prevent migration of the heel receiving end of the sock portion towards a forward end of the shoe when the wearer is wearing the sock portion and shoe.
 2. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer has a figure-8 configuration.
 3. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer has a first band portion connected to a left side of the sock portion, and a second band portion connected to a right side of the sock portion.
 4. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer includes a strap that ends in at least one of a ring, hook, or tab.
 5. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer includes a broad heel band for coving left and right rearward portions of the shoe.
 6. A foot apparel item according to claim 5, wherein the broad heel band narrows from the sock portion toward the at least one heel support engagement element.
 7. A foot apparel item according to claim 6, wherein the broad heel band terminates at the least one heel support engagement element.
 8. A foot apparel item according to claim 6, wherein the stabilizer includes a strap connecting the broad heel band to the at least one heel support engagement element.
 9. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is removably attached to the sock portion and permits replacement of the stabilizer by a user.
 10. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer comprises: a first strap having a first connector; a second strap having a second connector configured to releasably engage the first connector; and a third strap having a first end connected to the first strap and second strap, and a second end connected to the sock portion.
 11. A foot apparel item according to claim 10, wherein the first connector and second connector are configured to be hidden when engaged such that the first strap and second strap form a loop around the heel support.
 12. A foot apparel item according to claim 10, wherein the first connector comprises a hook and the second connector comprises a loop.
 13. A foot apparel item according to claim 1, wherein the sock portion is dimensioned as a low-profile foot sock.
 14. A foot apparel item according to claim 10, wherein the first strap, second strap and third strap are connected together at a Y-junction, and each has a free end opposite the Y-junction.
 15. A foot apparel item according to claim 14, wherein: the first connector is mounted along the first strap between the Y-junction and an opposite free end of the first strap; and the second connector is mounted along the second strap between the Y-junction and an opposite free end of the second strap. 